Ag contributions His work contributed to direct seeding, precision farming and conservation practices
A memorial celebration will be held May 4 in Indian Head, Sask., for zero-till pioneer and crop researcher Guy Lafond.
The long-time Agriculture Canada scientist died April 27 from cancer. He was 59.
His wife, Enid Oddleifson, to whom he was married for 32 years, son Eric (Jessica Parker) and daughter Gaetane survive him, along with two brothers, three sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.
His sister-in-law, Karen Foster, said Lafond handled his cancer with grace.
“He had a serenity about him and an acceptance that taught us all so much,” she said.
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Lafond grew up in Manitoba and obtained his master’s degree from the University of Manitoba and PhD from the University of Saskatchewan. He settled his family on the research farm at Indian Head where he worked for more than 30 years and spent as much time as possible with farmers and in the field.
“He had a passion for the better management of soil, plant and water resources for future generations and the growing world population,” said a statement provided by Oddleifson.
Social media tributes to Lafond noted his tremendous contribution to conservation agriculture at home and around the world. He was a member of numerous agricultural organizations.
Lafond played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation (IHARF) in the early 1990s. He shared his research in the United States, China, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Australia and Europe.
In 2010, he was named a fellow of the Canadian Society of Agronomy in recognition of his work in direct seeding, precision farming and conservation practices.
The memorial may be available by live stream on the internet. Details can be found at www.tubmanfh.com.
